Alan Lee Castles Illustration Original Art (1984). This gorgeous painting by Lord of the Rings artist Alan Lee features a hooded rider that looks suspiciously like Strider. Painted many years before his reputation was cemented as the pre-eminent Tolkien artist. Produced in watercolor on heavy paper. Matted and framed out to 23" x 16" with an inner mat opening of 16" x 11". Signed and dated by Lee in pencil. In Excellent condition.

Greg Hildebrandt and Tim Hildebrandt Smith of Wootton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham Paperback Cover Original Art (Ballantine Books, circa 1974-75). For fantasy fans, the names of Greg and Tim Hildebrandt will forever be linked to the works of fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien, thanks to the brothers' world-famous visual interpretations of the Tolkien characters. Here, the Brothers Hildebrandt present a wonderfully whimsical scene based on J. R. R. Tolkien's story, "Farmer Giles of Ham" for what was their first published, Tolkien-inspired work. This delightful cover illustration, with its superb artistic nod to the style of classic illustrator Maxfield Parrish, captures the mood of Tolkien's ribald mock-heroic tale perfectly. "When a 'cunning, inquisitive, greedy, well-armored but not overly bold' dragon invades the kingdom, a most unwilling Farmer Giles is chosen to slay the dragon... a dragon who refuses to fight!" This fabulous piece has an image area of 12.5" x 21.5", and the art is in Excellent condition. The illustration was signed at the lower right.

Curioys what people's guess on value is? The Hildebrandt sold at Heritage several years ago for about 5-6k, as I recall. Unclear if value would have increased or not since then (most things have gotten more expensive in the original art market).

The auction is already up to $4k with two weeks to go, so I am guessing it will go for around or above the previous result, maybe up to $7k to 8k? I am only basing that on looking at other Hildebrandt art results for similar pieces - I could well get surprised!

I also noted in my search this other past auction result which seemed like a good thing to note for posterity:

Bidding and buying requires a validated credit card, or a credit line (apply now). We will place a temporary hold on your account of up to $1, which may show up on your account for 24-48 hours, but your card will not be charged any amount unless you choose to pay an invoice in the future. Don't have a MC or VISA? Get approved by e-mail (please allow 24-72 business hours), or call 1-866-835-3243 between 8 AM and 6 PM Central Time.